Apparently concerned over the situation in Maharashtra where north Indians have been targeted, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] on Monday night spoke to Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and asked him to ensure safety of all sections of the society.

During the telephonic conversation with Deshmukh, the prime minister enquired about the situation in Maharashtra, Prime Minister's Office sources said.

Dr Singh, who had a meeting with an all-party delegation of leaders from Bihar on Monday, asked the chief minister to "take all necessary steps to ensure safety of all sections of the society," they said.

The all-party delegation from Bihar met Dr Singh and voiced concern over the attacks on north Indians in Maharashtra by activists of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

Leaders of parties across the political spectrum in Bihar, including rivals opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal and ruling Janata Dal-United, came together to approach the prime minister to seek his intervention to stop violence against north Indians in Maharashtra.